Visitor Safety Project at Jewel Cave Recognized by South Dakota Engineering Society

Jewel Cave deck

The Black Hills Chapter of the South Dakota Engineering Society awarded the Jewel Cave National Monument reconstruction project the Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award in February 2021.

The project improves visitor safety on cave tours by reconstructing concrete walkways and removing or replacing existing stairs, bridges, decks, handrails, and guardrails along the ½ mile tour route 832 feet underground. The $5 million project began in October 2018 and was schedule to span 2 years, with a 5‑month break in construction to allow the continuation of public cave tour operations during the summer months. Tours at the cave will resume in May 2021.

Congratulations to the Denver Service Center (DSC) project team on well-deserved recognition!